As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Mike Levin is pushing for funding to ensure military barracks are safe and clean.
The San Juan Capistrano Democrat has been raising concerns about the state of military barracks across the country, including those at Camp Pendleton. He has said the poor state of barracks poses health and safety risks as well as affects the morale and well-being of service members.
“Safe, clean housing for our service members is essential to military readiness,” said Levin.
Levin said he would use his spot on the powerful Appropriations Committee to push the U.S. Department of Defense to prioritize funding for “quality military housing and for the tools that make our military the greatest in the world.”
“Our service members deserve to live in the best conditions possible,” he said. “Dirty and unsafe military barracks put our service members at risk. Congress must allocate the appropriate resources to ensure military barracks across the country meet high-quality standards and can meet the needs of service members.”
We’re catching our readers up with the six House members who represent at least a portion of Orange County. We asked each lawmaker several questions — tailored to their policy expertise, committee assignments or votes — as well as a personal bonus question.
Levin, 46, represents California’s 49th Congressional District in Orange and San Diego counties. An environmental attorney, Levin was first elected to Congress in 2019 and is part of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
Read on to find out more about what Levin thinks of protecting the rail line through San Clemente, cuts to Medicaid and more.
Q: As the government shutdown continues with no end in sight, what are you seeing as the biggest impact on the communities you represent? Is there a short-term fix you’d encourage while the shutdown continues?
A: Every day the shutdown continues, uncertainty grows for families, small businesses and local economies. Federal employees are missing paychecks, military families are worried about benefits and critical community investments are being delayed.
The reality is that the government needs to function, especially when it comes to essential services people depend on. I would like to see both parties return to the table and reach a responsible agreement that reopens the government and restores stability for families and employers alike.
Q: As negotiations continue, is there a specific area where you see your party could come to a compromise with the other side of the aisle to move the needle closer on ending the shutdown?
A: Health care affordability is one area where I believe there is room for bipartisan cooperation. If Congress does not extend the current tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, millions of Americans, including roughly 660,000 Californians, could be priced out of health insurance next year.
I have spoken with colleagues on both sides of the aisle who understand that keeping health care affordable is a shared priority. We may not agree on every detail, but I believe there is a path forward to stabilize costs and bring some certainty to working families.
Q: While federal workers do not get paid during shutdowns, members of Congress do. Many have asked for their pay to be withheld; are you one of those members? Why or why not?
A: Yes, I have asked for my pay to be withheld during the shutdown. I do not believe members of Congress should collect a paycheck when their own staff will not receive one on Nov. 1, or while hundreds of thousands of federal workers across the country go without pay. It is wrong for any member to get paid while the people who keep our government running are left in limbo. The best way to fix that is to end the shutdown and get everyone back to work.
Q: As work continues to protect the rail line that runs through San Clemente and has been shuttered multiple times over the years, are there any regulatory elements that could be adjusted to ensure work is completed more quickly but still safely? Please explain your answer.
A: Since entering Congress in 2019, one of my top priorities has been to secure critical federal funds to protect the LOSSAN Rail Corridor. I’ve secured over $230 million for sand replenishment to protect the Corridor against coastal erosion, studies to determine where to replace the tracks that sit on coastal bluffs and more.
It requires all levels of government — federal, state and local — to work together to bring the planning and resources necessary to protect the Corridor and ensure it stays open. I am committed to those ongoing partnerships.
I’m also committed to giving the Orange County Transportation Authority the support it needs to secure the required federal permits to put sand on the beach and get the work done as fast as possible, ensuring safety of the Corridor for years to come.
Q: You voted against the massive spending cuts bill that was ultimately signed into law over the summer, citing the cuts it made to Medicaid and Medicare, among other assistance areas. What is some guidance you’re giving local nonprofits and organizations that address health care gaps in your district? In other words, what is a solution to problems you identified with that bill?
A: The devastating effects of the health care cuts enacted by the Republican budget law are starting to ripple throughout the 49th District and will progress next year. Community clinics are threatening to close, health premiums will skyrocket and health care costs will increase.
In the ongoing government funding fight, I am pushing for an extension of the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits to prevent Californians’ health premium costs from rising by 10% on average. If Congress does not extend the ACA tax credits by the end of the year, over 20 million Americans will see their health care costs rise. This is unacceptable.
Ultimately, we need to restore the health cuts made in the Republican budget law. I am ready to work with anyone, regardless of party, to restore funding to Medicaid, Medicare, hospitals, community clinics and other health services that millions of Americans rely upon.
Q: There has been a lot of talk about political rhetoric and civil discourse in this country in recent months. How do you define civil discourse? And what is one thing you are doing to be a leader in your community amid calls to tone down rhetoric?
A: To me, civil discourse is the ability to speak freely without the fear of retribution or political violence. Civil discourse is the open exchange of ideas where we argue passionately about our country’s future but still come together as one people.
I can’t control every voice in our national conversation, but I can control how I use mine. I made a promise to my constituents that I will keep using my position to bring people together instead of driving them apart. I will keep listening whenever I can, and I’m going to keep showing that community can triumph over chaos.
Q: You’ve said you’re concerned about the federal government’s proposed cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. What are the real impacts these cuts could bring to your district?
A: The federal cuts to scientific and research institutions, like NOAA, jeopardize the health and safety of all Americans. Over the years, our district has experienced severe weather due to climate change. Coastal erosion has worsened as climate change intensifies. NOAA provides accurate reporting on major weather events, as well as data collection on the effects of climate change. The federal cuts severely limit NOAA’s capabilities and services that millions rely on — both directly and indirectly — every day.
Without NOAA’s services, the safety, well-being and health of my constituents are put at risk. Delayed or inaccurate reporting can slow down emergency responses or evacuation orders, threatening people’s lives and property.
Q: You’ve been raising the alarm about the state of military barracks across the country, including at Camp Pendleton. What are some ways Congress could tangibly address those health and safety concerns?
A: Our service members deserve to live in the best conditions possible. Dirty and unsafe military barracks put our service members at risk. Congress must allocate the appropriate resources to ensure military barracks across the country meet high-quality standards and can meet the needs of service members.
I joined the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee this year, and one of my top priorities is ensuring our service members have a safe, clean place to live. The House-passed military construction funding bill included $25 million in funding that I fought for to fund planning and construction for Navy & Marine Corps barracks. I also fought for increased funding for facilities restoration and modernization across the services, which will help rehabilitate existing barracks. That same bill includes over $397 million to maintain and improve family housing on Navy and Marine Corps bases.
Safe, clean housing for our service members is essential to military readiness. I will continue using my spot on the House Appropriations Committee to push the Department of Defense to prioritize funding for quality military housing and for the tools that make our military the greatest in the world.
Bonus question: If you are throwing a dinner party, what is the signature dish you would make for your guests?
A: Grilled salmon with roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Ordering sushi is always a great alternative.